WRINKLES

Wrinkles are caused by many different reasons and treatment is also quite varied.  Some of the best results can be seen from a combination of treatments.

LOOSE SKIN

Loose skin wrinkles are generally caused by a degradation in the collagen structures under the skin.  These types of wrinkles are best treated with procedures like the Titan (light based) or Thermage (radio-frequency based), or using fractional lasers such as Fraxel, Profraction or Pearl.  For a quick fix, some loose skin can be plumped up using Dermal Fillers.  The most common fillers that are used today are Juvederm, Radiesse, Perlane, Restylane or Evolence.  Each has its own characteristics and advantages and only a skilled physician can discern which is best for your specific situation.

VERTICAL (SMOKER'S) LINES AROUND THE LIPS/MOUTH

This condition is seen as vertical lines running up and down around the mouth from the lips to the noose and also between the chin and lower lip.  The best treatment for these lines is to use an ablative or fractional ablative laser to remove the layers of the skin and cause a tightening of the supporting tissue.  The best laser device for this purpose is a fractional Erbium or CO2 laser such as a Fraxel, Profractional or Pearl laser.  Additionally, by injecting the lips with dermal filler to give the lips additional volume helps smooth out the lines.

DYNAMIC LINES AND WRINKLES 

Dynamic lines or dynamic wrinkles are those that are only seen with movement of the muscles.  The are creases typically seen around the forehead (glabellar lines), the eyes (crow's feet), and horizontal forehead lines.  The best and quickest treatment for these sort of lines is Botox© Cosmetic or Dysport® injections which freeze the muscles and prevent them from forming these expressive lines.   Results from these treatments are seen within a few days and last 4 to 6 months.  With repeated treatments, the dynamic lines do not form as pronounced as before.

DEEP FACIAL LINES

Deep facial lines are typically seen as folds around the nose and mouth (Nasolabial Folds), the Marionette Lines and the Oral Commissures.  These lines are typically treated with Dermal Fillers (Juvederm, Radiesse, Evolence, Restylane, and Perlane).  Results are immediate and most people report excellent results that last 12 months or more, depending on the filler used.
 
Evaluation of wrinkles and the potential  fix are very individual and requires a skilled professional to evaluate the best possible approach to a remedy.  There are limitations of what one can achieve as a fix, short of surgery.  Sometimes surgery is the only answer, but surgery carries a plethora of risks, and the decision to choose surgery v. other non-surgical methods such as fractional lasers, fillers, and other esthetic treatments.